Fight in democratic way, says Jignesh Mevani

Dalit leader and MLA Jignesh Mevani on Friday appealed the Dalit community to oppose BJP leaders in a democratic way. He also expressed fears that antisocial elements within the ruling party may create trouble during celebrations of Ambedkar Jayanti on Saturday and put the blame on him.

The appeal comes a few days after Mevani had warned that BJP leaders would not be allowed to garland Ambedkar statue if the central government did not bring an ordinance to prevent dilution of Atrocities Act before Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14.

In a video message on eve of Ambedkar Jayanti, the fiery 37-year-old appealed the Dalit community to hold protests, shout slogans and even show black flags to BJP leaders, but ensure that there is no violence.

“We will oppose the BJP leaders in a democratic way. We will question them why their government cannot assure Dalits and tribal community that it will issue an ordinance,” he said.

Mevani also warned his supporters that antisocial elements within BJP may try to take advantage of the situation to create disturbances and put the blame on him. The MLA from Vadgam seat also said that the idea behind the protest call given by him is to corner the government over dilution of SC / ST Act. He said that situation of Dalits has worsened under the BJP rule in the last four years, and alleged that attempts were being made to end reservation.